In today’s economy, more and more planners are interested in ways to build up their team’s morale. These activities help motivate, open lines of communication and get your organization energized. We have compiled a list of unique team building opportunities around the Metro that fit all types of budgets and interests.

All Play of Des Moines
615 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 333-5050 www.allplaydm.com

They offer competitive gaming/team building activities using arcade games - partnering in teams or competing against each other.

Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 284-1000 www.brentonplaza.com

Team Building at Brenton Skating Plaza will be offered from November to March. We have opportunities for 4 - 75 skaters. This would include 30 - 45 minutes with an instructor then free time to skate. Some activities to consider:
Group skating lesson; Group synchronized skating (challenging and fun) Team games (i.e. Relay Races; 'Obstacle course"; Team musical chairs)

Climb Iowa
5401 Miehe Drive, Grimes, IA 50111 (515) 986-2565 www.climbiowa.com

Does your team need a break from the daily grind? Are you finding it hard to stay motivated?
How well is your team working together to accomplish their goals? Our team building facilitators provide your group with an environment that will help improve your productivity. For the past 8 years, our head facilitator has been working with corporate groups learning how to help them work together. During our teambuilding program, we present your team with different trust building activities and problem solving scenarios. Through these different activities, we will transform your team into a stronger unit making them more productive. The session ends with an introduction to climbing, which in itself an activity built on trust. Customizable events are available by contacting our head teambuilding facilitator.

Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50312 (515) 974-5359
www.dmplayhouse.com

The Playhouse offers team-building seminars that use theatre games and improvisation to bring out hidden talents and fresh ideas that can revitalize any corporate group. This fun, interactive approach helps a team to follow instincts and to react positively to unexpected challenges. The aim of this unique seminar is to construct a dynamic, responsive team who can bring fresh thinking and new ideas to the table. It can keep you one vital step ahead of the competition.

We can customize our team building activities to suit specific needs. Need to enhance camaraderie, improve sales skills, create new and effective means of communication, or explore creative problem solving? Identify your requirements, and we tailor our workshops to provide the benefits you need most.

A fun afternoon is all well and good, but employees will leave our workshops understanding exactly what they did and why it works so well in a business setting.

We customize our team building activities to you. We can meet specific learning objectives. Our seminars are interactive. Any size work group can be accommodated. Workshop and show combinations are available. Our professional facilitators are trained specifically in both improvisation and business practices. Past clients include Integer Group, The Des Moines Public Schools and Iowa Methodist Hospital.

Some topics to consider: Team Work: Cooperation and Trust; Creative Problem-Solving; Open Communication and Presentation Skills.

Incredible Pizza
3799 86th Street, Ste. 100, Urbandale, IA 50322 (515) 657-6946 www.incrediblepizza.com/urbandale

Most popular team-building activities are based on Mini Bowling, Mini Golf, Go-Karts, Guitar Hero, and NASCAR Driving Game. We have several ways that we can customize some team building activities other than these mentioned here.

Iowa Hall of Pride
330 Park Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 280-8969 www.iowahallofpride.com

Looking for a place to inspire your members to go beyond their limits…to utilize their talents…a place that will boost their morale and inspire them to new heights? The Iowa Hall of Pride showcases Iowans who’ve made a big difference in their communities and state. We even feature Iowans who’ve blazed trails across the country, around the world and even beyond the earth into outer space. In our fun, interactive atmosphere, your group will work together to complete games, scavenger hunts, and trivia quizzes, and be inspired by interviews with highly successful Iowans. Book a trip to the Hall of Pride…your group will talk about it for weeks afterwards.

Activities: Varied based on audience may include: Interactive, team-building games; Scavenger hunts; Trivia quizzes; Guided tour; Iowa Experience video; Outstanding Iowan interviews

Jester Park Equestrian Center
11171 NW 103 Court, Granger, IA 50109 (515) 999-2818 www.jesterparkec.com

Leading with Horses is an innovative experiential training method that fosters teambuilding, leadership skills, communication, creativity, self discovery, and goal setting. Businesses and groups use this program to enhance their training program and improve relationships. Sign your group up for half-day or full day programming with a certified personal trainer. Conference room use is provided with each programming option.

Kiwanis Miracle League
505 5th Avenue, Suite 302, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515)282-9045 MLVolunteers@downtowndesmoineskiwanis.org – www.kiwanismiracleleague.org

Our mission is to offer accessible recreational opportunities for children with special needs so that they can participate in a team sport as a member of an organized baseball league. We provide an opportunity for kids with special needs to play baseball, and engage the central Iowa community in our efforts. What we do is provide an opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing our national pastime — baseball!
Team Building: The Kiwanis Miracle League is always looking for volunteers to help as coaches, umpires, field maintenance and clean up and buddies to assist the athletes around the bases. Team sponsors along with monetary contributions and fund raising are greatly appreciated.

Linda Zeiger
4231 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310 (515) 278-2690 www.lindazeiger.com

Life is a test of patience and frustrations. Generate a new perspective, sense of humor, kick in some love and find who you can depend and trust. How can frustrations be eliminated? Ms. Zeiger can put together a workshop in which all can benefit by working together.

Midwest Speakers Bureau, Inc.
(877) 974-6972 Local: (515) 974-8305 www.speakersnow.com

The Midwest Speakers Bureau offers a list of various speakers to help in your teamwork/teambuilding efforts.

Polk County Conservation
11407 NW Jester Park Drive, Granger, IA 50109 (515) 323-5300 www.leadingyououtdoors.org

Outdoor Skills Team Building (lead by a Polk County Conservation naturalist) could include various activities such as canoeing, orienteering, geocaching, hikes and more!

Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater
401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 (515) 274-6868 Facility Rental x 311 www.sciowa.org

SCI offers fun activities for all groups: the tour of the Science Center itself; IMAX opportunities; video gaming activities. At certain times, they are able to offer a scavenger hunt.

Tero International, Inc.
1840 NW 118th Street, Suite 107, Des Moines, IA 50325 (515) 221-2318 www.tero.com

Some considerations such as classes: Presentation Skills, Business Etiquette. Dining Tutorial, Professional Image. While not dubbed as “Teambuilding” we find that teambuilding is often a side effect for tables of people who don’t know each other well or at all.

Team Dynamics: The Art of Bringing out the Best in Others - During the training, participants will gain insight into how to bring the best out in themselves and in others. They will build their interpersonal skills and discover answers for many important questions that will help them greatly enhance the success of the team.

The Extreme Race
Email info@theextremerace.com for more information or call (877) 771-7223 www.theextremerace.com

The Extreme Race brings a phenomenal level of excitement to corporate team building events, vacations, family reunions or group outings by delivering unmatched adventure that creates lasting impressions!

Wildwood Hills Ranch
3000 St. Charles Road, St. Charles, IA 50240 (641) 396-2414 www.wildwoodhillsranch.com

Any corporate meeting, conference, picnic or party will be truly unique and special at Wildwood Hills Ranch. You’ll love our flexibility and the variety of amenities available. Best of all, our professional staff will take care of your every need so your event is worry-free. Come and play as we offer quality recreational opportunities year round. We offer a Teambuilding/Challenge Course.

For contact information or a complete listing of team building opportunities, contact Paulette Lester, Director of Convention Services, at (515) 699-3443 or plester@desmoinescvb.com.